Carlo Ancelotti has told Goal that the appointment of Pep Guardiola as successor to Manuel Pellegrini is one that will ultimately see Manchester City establish themselves as a dominant European force.

City confirmed earlier this month that the Bayern Munich boss, one of the most successful managers in the game, had agreed to replace the Chilean at the Etihad Stadium in the summer.

Ancelotti, who is widely expected to take over from the former Barcelona manager at the German champions, has tipped Guardiola to achieve what no City boss has managed so far and transform them into a leading club on the European stage.

During a live Q&A with Goal, the Italian, himself a three-time Champions League-winning manager, said: "Behind Manchester City there is a group that provide a lot of money.

"They will become more of a dominant force in the Champions League now that they have a new manager and more investment."

Although they have won two Premier League titles in the last four seasons, City have never managed to progress beyond the last 16 of Europe's foremost competition.

In Guardiola, however, they now certainly have a manager who has exceptional European pedigree. The former Spain midfielder led Barcelona to two Champions League final victories over Manchester United in 2009 and 2011.

Before Guardiola takes charge in the summer, however, fourth-placed City must ensure that they recover from a poor recent run of form to re-qualify for competition this season.

Pellegrini's City will also be looking to achieve their best European campaign by beating Dynamo Kiev in the last 16, with the first leg of the tie taking place in the Ukrainian capital next Wednesday.

Tom Nightingale

After starting to write about football due to lack of any great ability on the pitch, Tom is an NCTJ-qualified sports reporter who has written for Swansea City, the Birmingham Mail, and numerous other publications. An avid Aston Villa fan, he still hasn't got over them not turning up in the 2015 FA Cup final.